Filter this!!!!

[Viney]

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it.

I'll play D

My rule...always have an escape route

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by Red ones

That's probably rule #1 sorted
Rule #2 is don't bother following couriers - they are nutters
Rule #3 is look up and look ahead
Rule #4 is "If you feel uncomfortable it is probably getting dodgy"

#3 needs extending, it is a different observation.

Firstly as you are higher than the cagers you get far better visibility ahead, but still not enough. To me the important part of filter observation is also to watch for any prior indication of lane swapping. Drivers looking into the adjacent lanes, front wheels turned .

Filtering is an art. at first it can be intimidating and I don't do it enough to be competent, my personal rule is not to filter at greater than 40mph often less and only when the traffic is running at 20 or less.

Yes some drivers do take the view that you should wait in line with them. But to be honest I think they are usually scared that when stuck in line they do not tend to use their mirrors and suddenly a bike whizzes past. WTF did that come from and it is a panic reaction on their part.

Many cars do tend to move over and make life easy for you. The benifit of a loud can. I acknowledge those who make my life easier.

Don't push your luck, If you don't think you can get through. Don't try, squeeze in and leave the gap for the nutters

Don't stick with a decision if things change - it's easy to start filtering whent he traffic is stopped or slow, then it speeds up and you find yourself filtering at 90.

Well I have.

Originally Posted by BigApe

Really I find they get in my way and wont, no matter how obvious it is that you want to get past, move out of the way.

I guess that 'nutter' is relative

Rule #6 (or whatever): Be extra vigilant filtering at junctions

Filtering is a hazardous and potentially lethal excercise. That said I do it for two hours every day. It's easy to filter and as the traffic progresses you start going faster until you realise you are filtering at 70 mph which in my book is asking for trouble. Also it is ever so easy to get a bike behind you or follow a bike and want to prove that you can filter fast. Don't! All it takes is on car driver to pull out while not looking and you'll be under the wheels of a truck. I have a rule that I TRY to follow. If the speed of the traffic is less then 50 then I filter cautiously. If it goes above this I try to just sit there and follow along. When traffic is stationary then I filter at no more than 30mph but mostly slower than this. Look as far ahead as possible and be prepared to stop at all times. If you see a car up ahead indicating don't carry on. Slow down and wait for them to either complete their manouvre or they will see you cancel the manouvre and you can continue past carefully. In bad weather I use full beams IF I filter. Most of the time when it's adverse weather I will not filter unless the traffic is stationary. One last thing, don't be afraid to use your horn. That's what it is there for. Car drivers use the horn as an extension of their middle finger but it is meant as a warning to let people know you are there. If you feel that someone may pull out on you or is wandering into your path beep them.

Safe riding.

EDIT: Filtering at junctions or past garages is not worth it unless the traffic is moving VERY slow or stationary. If you have to makes sure nothing is coming out and be aware of your road position. Many a time I have watched a bike filter past traffic by a garage but there is an oncoming car wanting to turn into the garage and the bike has had to slam on the anchors as they are now in the oncoming lane. Just be more vigilant and careful at junctions and only filter if you are 100% sure you can complete the manouvre and get by safely, don't chance it and gun the throttle as cars can appear from no-where and wipe you out.

[rictus01]

Originally Posted by wyrdness

I guess that 'nutter' is relative

You've met BigDog then
BigApes relative, although perhaps a little strange to some I think "Nutter" is abit strong



Cheers Mark.

I filter everyday also.

Make sure you are visible to the cages (the ones that bother looking). Full beam or passing flasher works a treat. You usually get people moving over which in turn encourages others to do the same. Sometimes, people who arent looking for the two wheelers see the cars moving over and realise their mistake.

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Err...no, they're just better than you - think about it, you spend eight or ten hours a day doing something you get quite polished at it.

PS. Don't follow me through town - you're not going to like it.

Ah yes... the Squidster 'Traffic? What traffic?' school of trans-urban riding.

[BillyC]

Two tips that I'd like to voice:

• Filtering in slowly moving traffic is safer than filtering in stationary traffic. When traffic is moving, drivers are far more likely to check mirrors, blind spots, and generally pay attention when they intend to change direction.
• That said, filtering in stationary traffic is the most common situation - pay attention to front wheels turning on cars, it's usually followed by them pulling out into your path with the intention of changing lanes, or doing a u-turn.